Down GAA offer our sympathies to the families of Gaels who passed away in recent days

Monday 1st March 2021

On behalf of Coiste Chontae an Dúin and the family that is Down GAA we offer our sympathies to the families of Gaels who passed away in recent days. In these strange and different times, we wanted to acknowledge the contributions made by those Gaels to their Clubs and County over many years.

Only this morning we have learned of the death of Martin McCabe of Newry Shamrocks who was the Goalkeeper on the Down Team that defeated Cavan in the 1978 Ulster Senior Football Final, In the All Ireland Semi Final v Dublin Marty made an outstanding save from a penalty by Jimmy Keaveney, to keep Down in the game in the first half,  he later went off injured in that game. Marty made his last appearance for Down in the 1979 Ulster Championship defeat by Monaghan in Castleblaney. We extend our sympathy to his wife Anne, his sons and daughters and to the Gaels of Newry Shamrocks on the loss of a man who adorned the Red and Black with pride and was one of the great characters of that Team.

We also extend our sympathy to the Sharvin family on the loss of a much-loved father Brendan.  Brendan was the father of Club Referee Adrian and father-in-law of Club secretary Phyllis and Brendan himself filled many roles for the Club, to the Gaels of Bright we also offer our sympathies.

Jim Turley was a former player and manager with Saval GAC, and we were saddened to learn of his passing, we offer our sympathies to his wife Margie, his sons and daughters also to the Gaels of Saval at this sad time.

James Furphy was one of the founding members of the original St Patrick's GFC which is now known as St Michaels GAA Magheralin. Not only did he and his sons play football, but he was a selector for the senior team for many years and played a prominent role in the workings of the club. Aside from football he played the leading role in the clubs successful 1970s play 'Mistaken Identity' which went the whole to the All-Ireland Scor Finals in Dublin.  He will be greatly missed by all especially all his sons and daughters, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He achieved many things as a lifelong member of the club. He was a long serving chairperson and later became a lifelong honorary President and Trustee

On behalf of Coiste Chontae an Dúin we extend our sympathies to the Furphy family and the Gaels of St Michaels.